Power Steering Pump Remove/Replace

[nuckollsr]

I have an 87 GMC R1500 RWD w/air that needs a new water pump. After looking over all the 'stuff' that need to be removed to replace the pump, I decided to shotgun all the moving parts on the front of the engine. All were factory original. I'd already replaced the a/c compressor last month, might as well finish the job.

Alternator comes off no sweat. Most of water pump bolts are easy to get out . . . EXCEPT the lower left fastener that screws into the block. Seems the power steering belt is in the way. Okay, got most of the pump bolts out but it seems there is a stud on the BACK side of the power steering pump all tucked away between a/c brackets, exhaust manifolds, etc. Cannot get a wrench on it so that I can loosen the p.s. belt. It appears that most of the a/c compressor brackets need to be removed just to get at that one fastener.

Is anyone aware of a tool and/or shade tree mechanic's magic move to get at that fastener without tearing down the compressor supports first?

[nuckollsr]

Scratch the above . . . yes, you do need to remove the lower-outboard a/c compressor support bracket. You can leave the compressor hanging from the upper bolts and do not have to mess with the plumbing . . . but this allows one to reach the stud-nut on the back of the p.s. pump.

Had to pry the bracket off. Seems it's unusual for holes to line up so well that fasteners slip into the holes. I discovered earlier that you are advised to loosen all fasteners that support the A/C compressor such that the bracketry is a bit 'floppy'. Get all the fasteners threaded down snug before tightening to final torque.

The project moves forward . . .